Norman Mackenzie

Last Saturday, Katelynn was thrilled to get her first pet - a bright blue Betta fish that she named Norman Mackenzie.  Norman from one of her favorite books; Mackenzie because "it's such a beautiful name."  Her friends Bobby and Lindsay had both acquired similar fish a couple weeks prior.  Once mommy and daddy saw that they only required a $20 "Betta kit" and no fancy filtration systems, we were pretty easy to cajole into the purchase.

Norman Mackenzie died this morning, just 4 days after KK so proudly brought him home.

Last night I noticed that he wasn't looking so hot.  He was in a strange position within his plastic plant and did not swim to the top to get his food.  I convinced myself that fish sleep...  Then this morning I became more concerned as he was sitting all the way at the bottom of the tank.  Two hours later he was upside down.

Now the question became what to do?  My little girl has a pretty sensitive heart. As a mommy, I really wanted to just avoid this whole reality-of-death situation and forever protect her innocence.  I decided to leave Norman in his tank; she hadn't been paying too much attention to him and perhaps I could execute a switcheroo tomorrow when my babysitter is here.  However, tonight KK decided to check in on Norman.  A sweet little voice asked:  "Mommy, is he sick?"   Mommy's heart sank.  I told her the truth.

She seemed to be in shock, absorbing the whole situation and making sad little statements like "He was such a kind fish" and "He just swam around happily and was nice to me."  Eventually one big tear rolled down her cheek and lots of assurances followed that we would get a new fish just like him tomorrow.  After books/prayers/songs with both mommy and daddy, she was left with her own thoughts in her room.  Later she appeared in the kitchen, acting strangely.  When I pressed her a bit about what was wrong, she burst into tears and said "It's just that my fish died, mommy!"

Poor sweet girl.  Poor Norman.  RIP Norman. And may God protect my little girl's tender heart.... and please, please keep Norman Mackenzie II alive a little longer.